Davenport Speedway
Mars wins finale while Simpson gets WDRL title
From series reports
WDRL champ Chad Simpson celebrates. (mikerueferphotos.photoreflect.com)
DAVENPORT, Iowa (Oct. 4) — Jimmy Mars was in clear command of the Governors Cup in the late stages at Davenport Speedway. But the World Dirt Racing League championship was still up for grabs going into the final lap. | Slideshow | Prelims
Mars indeed wrapped up his $10,000 victory in WDRL's 60-lap season-ender while Chad Simpson of Mount Vernon, Iowa, edged John Kaanta of Elk Mound, Wis., for the series championship, edging Kaanta by a single position in a dramatic finish.
"I can't thank my brother Chris enough. He has built one awesome car," said Mars, who took the lead from polesitter Darren Miller of Milledgeville, Ill., on the 27th lap. "I showed by nose a few times to Darren, and we always try to race each other clean, so I wasn't worried. He moved to the low side in turns one and two. I was able to work around him on the high side."
Mars maintained command the rest of the way despite a few caution flags to wrap up his fourth WDRL victory of 2008 and 15th of his career. Miller settled for second while former WDRL champion Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., held third the entire distance. Iowans Jeff Aikey of Cedar Falls and Jason Utter of Columbus Junction rounded out the top five while the championship-chasing drama concluded just outside the top five.
Simpson held a one-point margin entering the race, but the 11th-starting Kaanta worked his way up to challenge Simpson in a battle that would go to whichever driver finished ahead of the other. Like a Hollywood script, the two ended up battling side-by-side the final 12 laps. The two swapped grooves a few times and as the duo rocketed off of turn four to the checkered flag, Simpson was able to get a good enough run to take sixth place and his first touring championship.
"I saw John worked under me," said Simpson, who finished two points ahead of Kaanta in the final standings. "I thought I better get moving. That was exciting. Nerve-racking, but exciting. I had trouble in turns three and four, and I knew that he was faster there. I knew if he was going to try something, it would probably be there. We got a good run off of four when it counted, and I couldn't be happier."
Notes: The winning Mars Car has a Pro Power engine and sponsorship from Deppe Enterprises, T.L. Sinz Plumbing, ESSI Motorsports and Keyes Chevytown. ... Behind Simpson and Kaanta in the series points are Eric Pember of Pittsville, Wis., Frank Heckenast Jr. of Orland Park, Ill., and Chris Simpson of Oxford, Iowa. ... Heckenast took WDRL Rookie of the Year honors over Jeremy Grady of Story City, Iowa. ... WDRL's postseason banquet is scheduled for Nov. 22 at the Meskwaki Bingo and Casino in Tama, Iowa.
WDRL @ Davenport: (1) Jimmy Mars, (2) Darren Miller, (3) Brady Smith, (4) Jeff Aikey, (5) Jason Utter, (6) Chad Simpson, (7) John Kaanta, (8) Jeremy Grady, (9) Chris Simpson, (10) Jeff Larson, (11) Frank Heckenast Jr, (12) Eric Pember, (13) Dan Shelliam, (14) Gary Webb, (15) Skip Frey, (16) Andrew McKay, (17) Darrell DeFrance, (18) Terry Neal, (19) Matt Furman, (20) Rich Bell, (21) Denny Woodworth, (22) Justin Kay, (23) Jeremy Gustaf, (24) Cam Granger. Scratched: Denny Eckrich. Fast qualifier (among 25 cars): Miller. Heat race winners: Smith, Mars, Miller. Dash winner: Miller.
